Influence of Feeding Regime on Rumen Volatile Fatty Acid Profiles in Buffaloes under Heat Stress

Abstract

Heat stress significantly alters rumen fermentation dynamics in buffaloes, affecting nutrient utilization, metabolic efficiency, and overall productivity. This study investigates the influence of different feeding regimes on rumen volatile fatty acid (VFA) profiles in buffaloes under heat stress conditions to optimize nutritional strategies for improved performance. The proposed methodology involves controlled feeding trials with varying diet compositions, including forage-to-concentrate ratios and supplementation strategies, conducted under monitored thermal stress environments. Key parameters such as rumen VFA concentrations (acetate, propionate, and butyrate), rumen pH, feed intake, digestibility, and physiological stress indicators are measured using standard laboratory and animal monitoring techniques. Environmental parameters, including temperature-humidity index (THI), are continuously recorded to assess heat stress intensity. The collected data are preprocessed through cleaning, normalization, and statistical validation to ensure consistency and reliability. Advanced analytical and machine learning models, such as regression analysis, Random Forest, and Artificial Neural Networks, are employed to analyze the relationships between feeding regimes, heat stress levels, and rumen fermentation profiles. Experimental results indicate that balanced feeding regimes with optimized forage-to-concentrate ratios and targeted supplementation significantly improve VFA profiles by enhancing propionate production and maintaining rumen stability under heat stress. In contrast, imbalanced diets exacerbate fermentation disturbances and reduce feed efficiency. The study identifies optimal feeding strategies that mitigate heat stress effects and sustain metabolic activity. The findings highlight the importance of adaptive nutritional management in improving resilience and productivity in buffaloes under thermal stress conditions. The study concludes that integrating data-driven approaches with optimized feeding regimes provides a sustainable and effective solution for maintaining rumen health, enhancing nutrient utilization, and supporting livestock performance in challenging climates.